The nagging feeling that riding horses is just odd

I think we forget in living memory horses were used for work, where I rode as teenager we still used cobbled stalls made for plough horses, and there was lots of plough tack lying around. It was only after WW2 that horsepower dropped to 10% for farm work. So we may think it odd now but using horses as a necessity for some. is not that far away.
Even if you do not ride I think looking after equines is a life skill, like learning to swim. It teaches you about communication, that brains and cooperation often controls strength, you can not always get your own way and the ethic about putting something else’s welfare above your own wants.
If we had 28 Years Later, survival would mean they would be back in work or eaten, but cattle and sheep mature quicker than horses.
 
Clodagh said:
Animals all earn their keep one way or another, or we wouldn’t buy them. Pleasure in their company/being good for the soul can be a perfect justification. But it’s not for everyone.

I don’t mean this to be nasty… but mainly I’m making the sweeping assumption that the anti riding people in here are maybe older and have many years of happy hacking/schooling/ competing behind them. Many get softer and more empathetic as they mature, I have, although i have no issue with animals having jobs.
I think now to want to maybe put younger people who haven’t had all the fun put in a position where they feel bad for doing so is maybe a bit rude? (Maybe not rude but I can’t think of a better word).
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I'm just working my way through this thread but just want to respond to this. I got my first pony at age 11. I learned riding at a traditional BHS riding centre and we kept the pony there. I'm from a non-horsey, non-rural family. I kept that pony 18 months and then decided I was tired of riding him and wanted to ride another one, so just sold him. No guilt, no attachment, no "but he's in his mid-teens and can't really do anything in particular, where will he end up and what will happen to him?" Unless you're very rich, or stick to producing young horses with the intention to later move them on, progress and success as a rider is at odds with what's good for them and you need to have this cold and/or oblivious a mindset. I'm glad I've got wiser as I've got older.

In general, it makes me sad that half of me still glorifies National Hunt racing and eventing, which I was in awe of growing up, and half says ffs stop testing horses to that extent. I have kept my horse past his physical peak. He has a couple of old injuries and will age and experience physical decline. I have retired him from endurance and will retire him completely when necessary, though not before. That's for me though, not him. I think the activity is good for his strength, suppleness and mental stimulation but realistically it's mostly for my benefit. I flipping love riding. I honestly don't know how I will cope without a riding horse when he retires. I might not, genuinely. So like a lifelong junkie, I started a hobby, that became a habit that became an identity. I truly have no desire or enthusiasm for doing something else. If I'd have been less attached to, indebted to and happy with my horse, I'd have done the sensible thing and moved him on young enough to increase the odds of having a horse truly sound enough to do what I require of them, but I've made the choice to keep him and this is the path we're on.
 
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I had a weird moment when I was riding the other evening when I looked down and just thought "I'm sitting on her back and she's carrying me" and it does make me feel bad. I'm not heavy or overweight so not bad in that sense, just that I was sat on her back making her carry me around but I saw her ears pricked and she seemed happy but it's still a weird feeling.

I don't understand when I see people advertising horses like "17yo but plenty of life left" like it's some kind of robot or saying that they're "wasted" just hacking and being in their field. Why would any horse be "wasted". I mean, yes, from that standpoint if you've bred a high end warmblood for eventing then someone that way inclined might feel it's wasted just hacking; then it comes back to horses just being bred to do a job for us. Then again, some horses appear to thrive on it or does it appear to thrive because it's in a stable or small individual turnout constantly so it's absolutely desperate to be doing something? Put a highly strung horse that "thrives" in work in a large herd turnout in acres of land with lots of forage and things to do, would it be happier doing that instead? Are the ones that thrive just in need of some kind of interaction because they lack it? Who knows. It's a complicated subject.
 
honetpot said:
I think we forget in living memory horses were used for work, where I rode as teenager we still used cobbled stalls made for plough horses, and there was lots of plough tack lying around. It was only after WW2 that horsepower dropped to 10% for farm work. So we may think it odd now but using horses as a necessity for some. is not that far away.
Even if you do not ride I think looking after equines is a life skill, like learning to swim. It teaches you about communication, that brains and cooperation often controls strength, you can not always get your own way and the ethic about putting something else’s welfare above your own wants.
If we had 28 Years Later, survival would mean they would be back in work or eaten, but cattle and sheep mature quicker than horses.
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My FiL still talks about climbing on the back of the Shires from a gate to get them from A to B. Pretty sure they were self guided but the boys wanted a ride. My grandfather has been gone for 20 years now but he was welsh mining stock so knew all about the pit ponies and used to say it was great when they got their holiday time above ground. When the old guy who had the allotment next to me a few years back new I had horses he used to tell me about his Sunday outings with his Dad's work horses to stop them tying up and give them a break - on roads that are now so full of traffic I wouldn't dream of riding down them. What I found fascinating with all of them was the understanding that although the horses were 100% there to work it was fun to ride them, enjoy them and watch their enjoyment in the downtime from their job. I'm not proposing we send ponies back into the mines, but think how much better most small welsh dragons are in a job rather than just eating themselves silly in a field (& occasionally bucking off children for sport)
 
Flame_ said:
I'm just working my way through this thread but just want to respond to this. I got my first pony at age 11. I learned riding at a traditional BHS riding centre and we kept the pony there. I'm from a non-horsey, non-rural family. I kept that pony 18 months and then decided I was tired of riding him and wanted to ride another one, so just sold him. No guilt, no attachment, no "but he's in his mid-teens and can't really do anything in particular, where will he end up and what will happen to him?" Unless you're very rich, or stick to producing young horses with the intention to later move them on, progress and success as a rider is at odds with what's good for them and you need to have this cold and/or oblivious a mindset. I'm glad I've got wiser as I've got older.

In general, it makes me sad that half of me still glorifies Nation Hunt racing and eventing, which I was in awe of growing up, and half says ffs stop testing horses to that extent. I have kept my horse past his physical peak. He has a couple of old injuries and will age and experience physical decline. I have retired him from endurance and will retire him completely when necessary, though not before. That's for me though, not him. I think the activity is good for his strength, suppleness and mental stimulation but realistically it's mostly for my benefit. I flipping love riding. I honestly don't know how I will cope without a riding horse when he retires. I might not, genuinely. So like a lifelong junkie, I started a hobby, that became a habit that became an identity. I truly have no desire or enthusiasm for doing something else. If I'd have been less attached to, indebted to and happy with my horse, I'd have done the sensible thing and moved him on young enough to increase the odds of having a horse truly sound enough to do what I require of them, but I've made the choice to keep him and this is the path we're on.
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Yesterday I went to watch a small affiliated dressage competition. It was enjoyable.The horses looked calm and quite happy to be there.They were ridden in double bridles but there were no suspicious foamy mouths or blue tongues.One young woman rode a particularly nice test and was just thrilled at her marks because she had got a lot of very well deserved 7s.I saw no abuse of any sort.My old boy gave me 13 years of pleasure and is enjoying a very well earned retirement.My young horse works for about 4 to 5 hours a week,is not abused in anyway,and in return is very well cared for.I don't feel guilty about this at all.
 
marmalade76 said:
I get where you're coming from, I also get more enjoyment from caring for my horse (also named Rocky but a mare, everyone seems to think that Rocky is a boy's name) than riding these days but I'm not ready to give up riding just yet, I still go for a wander round the block which Rocky is quite happy to do. What I don't like is people who insist their horses do things they obviously don't enjoy or doesn't suit their abilities, etc.

And what I find really wierd when you think about it is side saddle! Astride is the obvious way to sit on a horse, yet someone invented side saddle because women couldn't possibly have something between their legs! If you think about it, it makes far more sense for men to ride side saddle!
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Well, hang on, side saddle is highly suitable for those whose hips won’t sufficiently splay, or maybe elderly, disabled, perhaps lost part of their limbs - was popular after both world wars with ex servicemen continuing to ride following injuries.
Aside can be far more secure, unless the horse actually falls.
You might think it’s weird, costume drama, but others see it as enablement, pure and simple.
 
ramsaybailey said:
I never get this argument. The horse costs the same whether it's ridden or not. Why does a horse suddenly become too expensive to keep once it's not ridden 😬😬
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No, this isn’t necessarily the case.
If said hypothetical horse is no longer being ridden because it has become uncomfortable in this activity, has developed (whatever) health issues;
quite possibly associated with ageing process, or with injuries which may have nothing to do with its earlier riding career;
then it could very easily become a lot more expensive to keep - nothing to do with whether competed or ridden for pleasure, ie. nothing to do with hypothetical rider use or ‘satisfaction’ -
maintenance of such an animal is very likely to increase.
(and as someone who typically buries in preference to selling on, has nutured up to 40 years old - speaking with experience and diminished bank account)
 
Somewhat Off The Way said:
FOR THE LAST TIME MY HORSES ARE WITH ME FOR LIFE. IVE NEVER SOLD OR PASSED ON A HORSE.
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Believe you 100%, but if you ever needed to part with a horse for its, or your, or both your best interests - absolutely correct, go right ahead and do so.
The idea that no horses should ever experience changes, even if they are heading to a more suitable place, and even if that place is oblivion - is simply wrong.
Otherwise we’d assume that all these beasts sequestered in grotty, weedy little turnout pens and marginal sheds, with no change of scene or enlivening activities, sadly visible all over the UK, were already in their best place - God forbid.
 
canteron said:
I really get where you are coming from.
When I hack my horse - especially at this time of year - I let her munch tasty things from the hedgerow from time to time. Some people are horrified by this, but I’m just trying to give her a reason to enjoy hacking and it does make her keener to go out!
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When I worked on a yard I had to ride my horse in my lunch break so I'd take a packed lunch on our hack and we'd share it as we plodded along.
 
If we should ride horses is really the tip of the Iceberg. Should we use horses in sport, should we eat meat, should we use animals in anyway at all.
Huge subject.
 
Don’
Somewhat Off The Way said:
But I literally posted a clarification a minute later when I realised I'd worded it badly, but that post is being ignored. And I'm actually feeling really upset about it
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Somewhat Off The Way said:
But I literally posted a clarification a minute later when I realised I'd worded it badly, but that post is being ignored. And I'm actually feeling really upset about it
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Don’t waste the energy, original was clear enough, maybe not for respondents who want a black-or-white agenda, but definitely not worth your becoming upset - move on.
 
webble said:
Agree, having had a few horses break, seen horses locally with issues and followed stories on here I decided not to get another. If we discovered horses as a new species now we wouldnt think 'ooo look at that lets stick metal in its mouth, on its feet and sit on it'
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Well no, when early humans first came into contact with equus (according to archaeological and paleontological evidence)they hunted them, stampeded them to break their legs and use the meat and pelts, occasionally depicting those events in cave paintings. Was an obvious thing to do.
 
smolmaus said:
Why would you have to give them up if they can't be ridden?
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Plenty of people do, there's lots of people who can't afford 2 horses so get rid of or pts the one they can't ride so they can get a new one that can do what they want. There's plenty of posts on here that support pts of those animals coz "horses are too expensive to not enjoy". I can't be one of those people and that's why I don't ride anymore as I chose to keep my non ridden and not get another. If we ever get our retirement place with our own land I will have a small collection of non riddens, I'm not sure if at that point I'll add a ridden horse into it if the expense stops being an issue.
 
Exasperated said:
No, this isn’t necessarily the case.
If said hypothetical horse is no longer being ridden because it has become uncomfortable in this activity, has developed (whatever) health issues;
quite possibly associated with ageing process, or with injuries which may have nothing to do with its earlier riding career;
then it could very easily become a lot more expensive to keep - nothing to do with whether competed or ridden for pleasure, ie. nothing to do with hypothetical rider use or ‘satisfaction’ -
maintenance of such an animal is very likely to increase.
(and as someone who typically buries in preference to selling on, has nutured up to 40 years old - speaking with experience and diminished bank account)
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This is very true. The two I have here are old and on long-term medication. Both have Bute every day and one has Prascend. This is why I don't have holidays, new clothes, or put much petrol in my car. They see the vet twice a year at least. The vet costs have shot up in recent years also, that's added an extra strain on my bank account.
I'd still rather have the ponies than the money though :)
 
Exasperated said:
Well, hang on, side saddle is highly suitable for those whose hips won’t sufficiently splay, or maybe elderly, disabled, perhaps lost part of their limbs - was popular after both world wars with ex servicemen continuing to ride following injuries.
Aside can be far more secure, unless the horse actually falls.
You might think it’s weird, costume drama, but others see it as enablement, pure and simple.
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I know someone who is an out and out side saddle rider and goes through horses far too quickly for my liking - granted could be the individual, but they've all appeared to ended up becoming incredibly sore in the back. Side saddle may enable the human, but I'm not sold on the impact on the horse...
 
Just had a hack on the bay boy for the second time. He was very good, but I could see he was struggling a little but with balance on a downhill, stony track (very short), and I felt so bad! It is a bit of a tricky on to walk down, and then he has me on his back too! And then most of the ride back to home is busy roads (single track, but we live smack bang on the way to two tourist hot spots, and they get very busy from April til October). We were both a bit miffed of impolite drivers and stopping in lay-bys to let cars past etc. Plus, everybody needs new tack fitting and I could do with some new gear, and it's all so expensive! Talking about it with OH now, and he said is it something you really want to do? And I am questioning if it's worth it, money wise and stress wise for all of us (the roads take off the enjoyment a lot, and all bridleways lead to the roads). Two of the three are happy out, one is an anxious, spooky hot mess, all are happiest in their little gang mooching about the fields doing their thing and getting attention and fuss just because. Timely thread @IrishMilo, as I was just going to blindly go with it because "riding is the done thing" but this has made me look into it more as is it the right thing, especially as we are all a crooked bunch
 
AutumnDays said:
Just had a hack on the bay boy for the second time. He was very good, but I could see he was struggling a little but with balance on a downhill, stony track (very short), and I felt so bad! It is a bit of a tricky on to walk down, and then he has me on his back too! And then most of the ride back to home is busy roads (single track, but we live smack bang on the way to two tourist hot spots, and they get very busy from April til October). We were both a bit miffed of impolite drivers and stopping in lay-bys to let cars past etc. Plus, everybody needs new tack fitting and I could do with some new gear, and it's all so expensive! Talking about it with OH now, and he said is it something you really want to do? And I am questioning if it's worth it, money wise and stress wise for all of us (the roads take off the enjoyment a lot, and all bridleways lead to the roads). Two of the three are happy out, one is an anxious, spooky hot mess, all are happiest in their little gang mooching about the fields doing their thing and getting attention and fuss just because. Timely thread @IrishMilo, as I was just going to blindly go with it because "riding is the done thing" but this has made me look into it more as is it the right thing, especially as we are all a crooked bunch
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I don't think there is any "must" about it.If you and your horses are happier skipping the riding bit then do that.Do what makes you happy.
 
eahotson said:
I don't think there is any "must" about it.If you and your horses are happier skipping the riding bit then do that.Do what makes you happy.
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Yes, I think that is how we are going to stay, doing what makes us happy. There is that societal expectation of if you have horses, you must ride them, though. And for many people, that is all horses are about and for. It is nice to see so many people on here sharing that they too, are enjoying having their horses and being with them, they are not a tool for their enjoyment, and those that ride do so with their horse's wellbeing first, and don't judge those who like being alongside rather than onboard. Sadly haven't met others in either camp day to day in my very small circle
 
equinerebel said:
I bought my horses as pets.
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LadyGascoyne said:
I have them ridden because it keeps them fit and trim, and I think of it like I do going to the gym. I don't love going but when I'm there and afterwards, I feel like it's good for me. Both seem to love going on hacks, so that's reassuring.

Occasionally I might pop out for the odd hack or dressage clinic but they are pretty much bought because I enjoy having them around. I like seeing their little faces in the morning. I like grooming them, faffing about the yard, fixing electric fencing, popping to the feed shop. I like watching Mim boss everyone about and Miri try to figure out the most basic of logic with little success. I love how empathetic Mim is, and how protective she is of me. And conversely, I love that Miri looks to me for her confidence, and cuddles up when she's anxious about anything. I like my yard being alive and full of horses, riders, grooms, tractors, physios, even the vets 🤣.

I like getting home and watching them in the field, and they make such beautiful decorations. Far better than a piece of art.

Do they do a bit of work that they may not automatically sign up to do? Yes. But I also did that stupid leg press thing this morning and I'm sure one day when I'm 60, I'll be glad of having put work into my strength and balance.

Not everything in life that is good for you is the easy or automatic way of existence.
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Steady on, this doesn’t sound like horses are regarded as your autonomous equals, could be slated for such condescension!
 
AutumnDays said:
Yes, I think that is how we are going to stay, doing what makes us happy. There is that societal expectation of if you have horses, you must ride them, though. And for many people, that is all horses are about and for. It is nice to see so many people on here sharing that they too, are enjoying having their horses and being with them, they are not a tool for their enjoyment, and those that ride do so with their horse's wellbeing first, and don't judge those who like being alongside rather than onboard. Sadly haven't met others in either camp day to day in my very small circle
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I know someone who owned a 'hunter', she owned it from a three year old, and I doubt it ever went anywhere apart from the vets for x-rays. If anyone asked me what I did with mine my stock answer was, I sit on them. There is bragging snobbery in riding, even 'just a hack' can be well schooled and pleasant to ride, but of course there is for more bragging rights with name dropping who you having a lesson with, and which competition you are going to.
For some a horse, and dog are extensions of how they see themselves, like a car, and how much time an money they spend on them almost a symbol of some sort of piety, even if the outcome for the horse is not in its best interests. I am old enough not to be sucked in but I do worry about novice owners who get pulled in to the circle of nothing they ever do is good enough, there is always usually something they have to buy to be better. They are like the worried well, when they are probably doing fine.
 
teapot said:
I know someone who is an out and out side saddle rider and goes through horses far too quickly for my liking - granted could be the individual, but they've all appeared to ended up becoming incredibly sore in the back. Side saddle may enable the human, but I'm not sold on the impact on the horse...
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Could be anything, you’re the one who knows her.
Are her saddles fitted correctly?
Is she a balanced rider?
Horses fit enough for the tasks?
Do all other ladies’ rides you know have sore backs, too? Or just hers?
 
Exasperated said:
Well, hang on, side saddle is highly suitable for those whose hips won’t sufficiently splay, or maybe elderly, disabled, perhaps lost part of their limbs - was popular after both world wars with ex servicemen continuing to ride following injuries.
Aside can be far more secure, unless the horse actually falls.
You might think it’s weird, costume drama, but others see it as enablement, pure and simple
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🙄

teapot said:
I know someone who is an out and out side saddle rider and goes through horses far too quickly for my liking - granted could be the individual, but they've all appeared to ended up becoming incredibly sore in the back. Side saddle may enable the human, but I'm not sold on the impact on the horse...
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Nor me.
 
Exasperated said:
Ha! And alpacas aren’t?!
Sheep = designated ‘agricultural critters’ of long-standing provenance in UK.
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FFS, who TF are you? Alpacas don't tend to squeeze under and through fences would be top of the list. I have no idea if the get fly strike or drop dead for fun. In case you forgot, I actually said I would rather have sheep myself, my granddad used to keep them, we even had one that lived in our back garden for a time, my horses have shared grazing with sheep on & off over the years, my fave being the little Welsh Black Mountain sheep, super cute. I have no idea why these folks chose to have alpacas instead of sheep, perhaps they think they're cooler, perhaps they were fans of Nuzzle & Scratch, I don't know!
 
marmalade76 said:
FFS, who TF are you? Alpacas don't tend to squeeze under and through fences would be top of the list. I have no idea if the get fly strike or drop dead for fun. In case you forgot, I actually said I would rather have sheep myself, my granddad used to keep them, we even had one that lived in our back garden for a time, my horses have shared grazing with sheep on & off over the years, my fave being the little Welsh Black Mountain sheep, super cute. I have no idea why these folks chose to have alpacas instead of sheep, perhaps they think they're cooler, perhaps they were fans of Nuzzle & Scratch, I don't know!
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Yes alpaca get flystrike. They can also get severe sweet itch. My vet said that they get all the diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and then invent a few of their own. My vet is not a fan as they cause such headaches for him and they usually have potty/unrealistic owners as well.
 
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